Margo

I also decided against the Ursadiol, figuring that in the long run I'd prefer gall bladder problems to liver problems... I buy ground flax seeds and make them into crackers - low carb and high fiber, though a bit caloric I think. I also take an omega 3 supplement. Hadn't heard about the coffee, though I have been using instant decaf to flavor my shakes since about a month out. So far, so good, but we'll see as time goes by...

I am also an Aceves patient and was advised that I could probably stop the Nexium at 3 months. When I went to my PCP to have my labs ordered, he wrote another prescription just in case I need it. Discontinued the Nexium yesterday, so for now am just going to see how I feel, and then will go back on if necessary.

I paid $500 in advance, and the balance (by cashier's check) the day I arrived at the hospital. I spent one night at the hotel and three at the hospital. We all left around 7 am for the airport and it is recommended you try to schedule your flight (I think) for noon-ish. There is a mall not far from the hospital, but I have to say, my companion was kind of bored. The hospital is about a 10 minute drive from the hotel - my Dad stayed at the hotel for the whole time, rather than staying with me at the hospital and he took cabs back and forth - about $5.00/trip. (Using US dollars was fine... we never changed any of our money into pesos.) The drive from the airport to the hospital is about 90 minutes - it takes longer going back, because of the wait at the border when entering the US. Feel free to ask any other questions you may have. Margo

I have posted a day by day on my website www.vsggoodlife.com

On my way very soon for my VSG! I am really excited - have spent the week clearing my desk, so that I don't have much to do today besides pack and take pre-op measurements and photos. I'll post my experiences from hospital if I am feeling up to it and once I return for sure!

I WISH I got the Jan special price... alas, it was $9,500 for me. (Let you know if any of you get the deal!) I've now paid my deposit and everything is confirmed for the 15th - can't wait! I've been ordering Vitamins etc and trying to make sure that I have everything I need - still need a leisure bra as my underwires will be too painful post-op on the plane. XOX, Margo

Hi, I am scheduled for Feb 15, arriving on the 14th for pre-op tests. Perhaps we will cross paths! Cheers, Margo

Hope your recovery continues and you are feeling better soon!

Here is the list I made for myself after deciding to have WLS. Had good news this week regarding funds for surgery and am scheduled for Feb 15 w/ Dr Aceves! Have been working on increasing protein/decreasing crap and am losing a small amount of weight -so feeling very positive and looking forward to my surgery! Normal blood pressure Normal cholesterol Controlled blood sugar Reduce/eliminate joint pain Size 14 or below 180 pounds or less (Goal is 160 to reach normal BMI) Able to polish toenails without straining No more huffing and puffing up the hill Using the ?precious? recliner whenever I feel like it Can reach behind my back to fasten my bra Exercise is more fun than it is torture Increased energy Can buy clothing at regular shops No more worrying before sitting on fragile looking furniture No more worrying about whether the seat belt on the airline will fit More space in my airline seat! No more dirty looks from the guy sitting next to me on the airplane Easy to fit in all of the amusement park rides Able to schedule a dude ranch vacation without worrying that I am too heavy to ride the poor horses! Learn to kayak Learn to scuba dive High heels don?t hurt (as much or as soon!) Cute undies The big bath sheet reaches ALL the way around (with room to tuck in!)